Faulk inks free agent deal with Jets

Florham Park, NJ-Former Garden City defensive tackle Jeremy Faulk signed a free-agent contract with the New York Jets on Friday. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

"This is an awesome accomplishment for Jeremy Faulk," Broncbusters Coach Jeff Sims said. "I am overwhelmed with pride to be able to say I was around to see him achieve this for himself."

Faulk tried out for the team during rookie camp back in May before earning an invite to training camp. Teams are allowed 90 players in the preseason before the rosters will be cut to 53 before the first regular-season game.

Faulk spent two years at Garden City, garnering national defensive player of the year honors in 2015 after transferring from Florida Atlantic. Following his first season, Faulk earned a full-ride to Baylor. But after a scandal that eventually cost Coach Art Briles his job, Faulk left the Bears and returned to Garden City last fall. After a long process, Faulk's scholarship to Baylor was reinstated.

During the 2016 season, Faulk ignited a Broncbuster defense that finished first in total yards allowed for the first time in program history. In fact, Garden City became the first program ever from the Jayhawk to accomplish that feat. He finished second on the squad in tackles with 75, which included an 18-stop performance vs. No. 6 Hutchinson in week four.

"Jeremy has always had it in him to be that good," Sims said. "I've known him since his Florida-Atlantic days. He's a gifted defensive player."

Faulk joins a gifted defensive front that includes Muhammad Wilkerson, who inked a five-year, $86 million deal last offseason with $53.5 million of that fully guaranteed. The Jets also deploy former first-round pick Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson to go along with former Houstan Texan Devon Still, who was also signed on Friday.

Sims with a green thumb: The New York Jets and Sims have quite a history. Wide receiver Lucky Whitehead, who was claimed off waivers from Dallas, along with defensive linemen Brandin Bryant (who played at Florida Atlantic while Sims was there) and Shalom Ogbonda all either played for Sims or were recruited by the veteran head man. Faulk, Bryant and Whitehead are currently on the Jets active roster.